Heat pumps are a good choice for heating and cooling homes in Asheville and the surrounding area. When choosing a new system, your goal is to keep your home comfortable at the lowest possible cost, but inexpensive, low-efficiency systems may cost you more in the long run because of higher energy costs.

Consider these factors when shopping for a heating and cooling system for your home:

• The most important factor affecting your choice of a heat pump system is the size. You can get an idea of the size you need by allowing 1 ton of capacity for each 400 square feet. A qualified technician can perform a more accurate calculation that includes factors such as the design and construction of your home.
• The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) indicates cooling efficiency of a heat pump, and the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) measures its efficiency in heat mode. Systems with higher ratings are the most efficient. Energy Star-qualified systems are more efficient and have higher SEER and HSPF ratings than standard models.

If you are in the market for a heat pump, there are two options that can raise the efficiency of a system: two-speed compressors and variable speed blower motors. Two-speed compressors allow the system to run at a reduced capacity when full capacity isn’t needed. This saves wear and tear on the compressor and reduces energy costs. Variable speed motors on blowers reduce energy use while maintaining a comfortable airflow. They also reduces noise because the blower doesn’t always have to run at full speed. Increase the comfort level in your home by choosing quiet system and asking about noise-reducing platforms and sound screens to reduce the noise even more.

Have more questions about selecting a new heat pump for your Asheville home? The experts at Smoky Mountain Heating & Air can help. Contact us today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Asheville, North Carolina and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about heat pump and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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